Last weekend saw a momentous occasion in Nascar history, as for the first time ever a race was held on a Roval (part road course, part oval), bringing rave reviews and a rare uptick in TV ratings. Naturally, talk has shifted to how other tracks could replicate Charlotte’s success. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of some of the suggestions in the works.
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| The way harness racers sit is pretty much the opposite of how Ryan Newman sits |
DOVER—Horse Track
Pros: The track is already there inside the concrete oval, so its not like they’ll have to relocate all 20,000 fans who still show up to another location. Also, something-something Brad K’s teeth something.
Cons: Nascar already has enough criticism over being “fixed”—does it really want to be associated with harness racing?
DAYTONA—Beach/Highway Course
Pros: While it might seem inconvenient and impossible to run a modern race on a beach and a highway, it makes about as much sense as running a race where cars are artificially slowed down on a tri-oval.
Cons: Far too many people will think that its just a tribute to the “Expert” course on Daytona USA.
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| Wow, such a beautiful place...for Jeffrey Earnhardt to wreck |
MICHIGAN—Belle Isle
Pros: It’ll give Nascar the chance to prove they can run a temporary street course better than IndyCar, namely by making sure their grand marshall doesn’t wreck the freaking pace car (note: make sure Brett Bodine knows what the heck he’s doing).
Cons: Belle Isle is in the shadows of GM’s headquarters—it might not be wise to put all the pressure on Chevy’s road courses ringers like Chase Elliott and Justin Allgaier.
LAS VEGAS—Parking Lot Course
Pros: Caesar’s Parking Lot would join Watkins Glen and about 60% of Indy as the only Nascar courses to have once held Formula 1 racing.
Cons: When you’re looking at ways to reinvigorate your sport, “the place where they had Wrestlemania 9” probably isn’t high on the list, brother.
INDIANAPOLIS—Infield Road Course
Pros: Nascar’s road courses tend to provide the most drama and highest ratings—why exactly has this not happened yet? OK, besides the fact that Bruton Smith’s trademarked the term “Roval”.
Cons: You could have dozens of daring passes for the lead, wild beating and banging in the pack, and a photo finish for the win, and “fans” would still complain that the race wasn’t held at IRP/ORP/LORP/BLERP/BOING.